Bulwark Takes Democrats Think They Can Flip the Senate in 2026 (w/ Sen. Adam Schiff)
Jan 17, 2026
Senator Adam Schiff, the vice chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and a key figure in Congressional strategy, discusses the Democrats' roadmap to flipping the Senate in 2026. He identifies North Carolina, Ohio, Maine, and Alaska as key states ripe for pickup. Schiff emphasizes the importance of candidate recruitment driven by a sense of duty amidst threats to democracy. He predicts that rising costs in healthcare and housing will be central to voter concerns, while also tackling the distractions posed by Trump's tactics.
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Senate Flip Now Within Reach
- A viable Senate flip path emerged due to strong recruitment and incumbents performing well.
- Four pickup opportunities are North Carolina, Ohio, Maine, and Alaska, making the Senate realistically in play.
Profiles Of Top Recruited Candidates
- Roy Cooper in North Carolina, Sherrod Brown in Ohio, Janet Mills in Maine, and Mary Peltola in Alaska are highlighted as top recruits.
- Schiff says each recruit brings unique strengths, with Peltola described as the most popular politician in Alaska.
Primaries Could Open Door In Red States
- Texas and Iowa remain possible pickups depending on primary outcomes and candidate quality.
- Competitive GOP primaries and runoffs in Texas could create an opening for Democrats.